April Fools(31)

"In about an hour but there's been a change of plan. Isaac's giving me a ride home instead. I'm keeping my bike at the bar while I'm away."

"Why?"

"So Isaac can ride the death trap. He may as well get some use out of it..."

My eyes snapped to Isaac's. He laughed, "Calm down, I'm not as cool as your brother."

"Sis, do you really think that I want to leave my bike at home? Mum would probably sell it to buy more booze."

"I'm going to make pancakes" Lucy announced.

"I'll help" Isaac added before following her into the kitchen.

I turned to face Brody, "Are you sure it's a good idea to let Isaac take you home? What about Mum?"

He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, "Don't worry, she's still in rehab."

"Then I'm coming too."





Chapter Twenty Two

An hour later, we were full of pancakes and on our way. Lucy had tears in her eyes as she said goodbye to Brody but insisted that she didn't want me to stay at home with her. I think she needed some time alone. I noticed that she was wearing Brody's ring on a chain around her neck.

Isaac and Brody spent the whole journey talking about music and I was quite content listening to them. It made me happy that my two favourite guys in the entire world seemed to genuinely like each other.

"It's the second house on the right" Brody announced as we turned onto our street. It felt strange being back, so much had happened since leaving a few months ago. Isaac parked up before shaking Brody's hand, "It's been a pleasure."

I laughed, "Sweet talker."

"There's nothing wrong with a bit of bromance" Brody winked, "Make sure you treat my little sister right or I'll set my psycho groupies on you."

"You can keep them all to yourself" Isaac replied, laughing.

"Go and show America what you've got!" I told Brody as we got out of the car and I pulled him into a giant hug. I was going to miss having him around but I knew that he was leaving for bigger and better things.

"I will. Be careful and call me any time you want."

"You're going to regret saying that. Different time zones, remember?"

"Okay, just stick to mornings."

"My mornings on your mornings?"

He laughed, "You know what? I'll call you. Look after Lucy for me, okay?"

I nodded but his face turned serious, "Hey, don't worry, she'll be fine."

"Shit."

"What's wrong?"

"She shouldn't be back yet."

"Who?" I turned around and quickly discovered who he was talking about. The front door opened and out walked my mother.

I didn't know whether to talk to her or get back in the car and tell Isaac to drive away. She made the choice for me when she walked over to us. She didn't fall over, which was a good start. She pulled me into her arms, "It's so nice to see you." I was surprised when she didn't reek of alcohol. "I've missed both of you." She turned to Brody, "I didn't think you were coming back."

He shook his head, "I'm not staying, why don't we go inside and talk?"

"Who's that?" she asked, looking at Isaac.

Before I could stop him, he got out of the car and extended his hand, "Hi, I'm Isaac. It's nice to meet you."

"We should be heading back" I said as they shook hands. I didn't want my mum to embarrass me in front of Isaac.

"Are you still coming home for Christmas?" she asked.

I shrugged, "Are you going to be sober by Christmas"

"I hope so."

"Me too."

I said goodbye and hugged Brody one more time before getting back in the car.

"Are you okay?" Isaac asked as we drove away.

"I'm fine."

"You really need to learn some new adjectives."

I rolled my eyes, "Fine, maybe I will."

He laughed. When we pulled up at some traffic lights, he turned to face me, "Why don't you ever talk about her?"

"There's nothing to say. She's an alcoholic, end of story."

"I don't think it has to be the end, I know someone who could help her."

"Are they a miracle worker?"

"No but they're really good at what they do."

"Isaac, you don't have to help her."

"You're right, I don't have to help her but I want to."

I glanced out of the window, scared of letting my two worlds collide. I wanted to keep my life with Isaac separate from my mother but I had a strong feeling that it was out of my hands.

"Can we make one more stop before we head back?"

He grinned, "Of course."

***

After squealing in our faces for five minutes, we brought Katie up to date with everything that had happened.

"Oh my god! My best friend is a fucking porn star!" Katie whispered after she dragged me into the kitchen, leaving Isaac in the living room with Ian and Jamie.